Lakeville Fire Offers Christmas Tree Fire Safety Tips

FIRE REPORT

From Nov. 19 to Nov. 25, the Lakeville Fire Department responded to 18 calls for service including 1 dryer fire, 2 mutual aid calls to Farmington (1 garage, 1 building fire), 3 motor vehicle accidents (2 with injuries, 1 extrication), 1 medical, 1 gas leak, 1 controlled burn, 1 good intent and 8 false alarms.

FIRE TIP

Selecting a Tree for the Holidays

Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needles should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long and, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.

Caring for Your Tree

Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.

Disposing of Your Tree 

Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by your garbage service.